5 Reasons to Consider Hospice for a Loved One
1. Customized Care
Quality of Life Assessments
This customized care also means that patients will receive a quality of life assessment regularly. Home health care providers, together with the patient and family, will determine if the physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs of the hospice patient are being met. Since this end-of-life care covers all aspects of life, hospice with registered nursing care in Hollister CA can help fill those gaps in care to improve a patient's quality of life.
2. Coordination of Care
3. Hospice at Home
4. Patient Dignity
5. More Time with Your Loved One
Caregiver Stress
Choosing Patient-Focused Care
10 Easy Ways to Encourage Employee Wellness at Work
1. Obtain Consistent Feedback to Improve Employee Wellness Program
No employee wellness program is going to be perfect from the start. Even if you properly prepare for this program, there's a good chance that you won't meet all of your employee needs immediately. You can correct this issue by obtaining feedback from employees.
There are several methods you can use to collect feedback. For instance, you could put out a workplace survey to inquire about the employee wellness program. You can also send emails that detail 5-7 wellness ideas and ask for feedback, which gives you the opportunity to implement the ideas that employees respond most positively to.
2. Promote Healthy Eating
You should take steps to promote healthy eating wherever possible in the workplace. You could replace any candy with much healthier fruit bowls. Another great idea that can boost employee engagement is to ask that employees send in any healthy recipes they have to create a company cookbook that's centered around health and nutrition.
You could even think about including a healthy recipe in the weekly newsletter your company sends out to employees. No matter what you do to promote healthy eating, you should strive to be part of a lasting solution in this regard.
3. Partner with Wellness Vendors and the Employee Benefits Company
If you want your employee wellness program to be as robust as possible, it should be made with the help of trained and professional individuals as well as your company's employee benefits provider. The insurance provider that represents your company could also have some useful wellness tools that you can take advantage of. Make sure that you have access to local wellness vendors that provide such services as discounted fitness equipment, yoga sessions, and cooking tips.
4. Use a Corporate Wellness Application
You can be certain that your employee wellness program is properly implemented by organizing it with a corporate wellness application. These apps can be quickly downloaded to any smartphone and will provide employees with daily workout suggestions, health tips, and health monitoring features. There are many apps at your disposal. Make sure that the one you choose fulfills the specific health and wellness needs that your employees have.
5. Personalize Employee Health
The only way for practically every employee to start focusing on health and wellness is to personalize employee health. If your business only offers a couple of wellness activities, a high percentage of your employees may not find interest in either activity.
However, offering a multitude of wellness activities means that your employees can select the ones that best suit their preferences. While some employees will enjoy relaxing and peaceful activities like walking, other employees might want to focus on mindfulness activities.
6. Make Sure Employees Remain Hydrated
Consistent productivity among your employees depends on these employees being properly hydrated from the very beginning of the day. Make sure that you have enough juicers and water coolers around the workplace to meet employee needs. While water is the best solution for hydration, you should know that juice, meat, and fruit can also help your employees remain hydrated.
7. Aim to Build Healthy Habits
The key to a sustained employee wellness program is to help your employees build healthy habits that will last for years. No matter the time of the year, it's common for employees to catch a cold or experience allergies. When employees become sick, they should adhere to some basic healthy habits that will keep germs from spreading.
You can promote healthy habits in the workplace by providing flu shots at the office, placing tissues and hand sanitizer around the workplace, and putting handwashing posters at different spots in employee bathrooms.
8. Encourage Paid Time Off
It's highly recommended that you encourage your employees to actually use the PTO that they have. Some employees avoid using PTO because they want to be the "perfect" worker. However, working without any substantive breaks can tire out anyone. It's important that employees get some extra time off every now and then to recharge their batteries. Encouraging your employees to take paid time off should bolster productivity.
9. Facilitate Stress Relief
When employees have busy schedules, stress will invariably build over time. Whenever one of your employees is stressed, it's likely that their productivity will be relatively low. High stress accumulation is particularly common towards the end of lengthy projects. You should show employees that you're taking their mental health into account by encouraging numerous breaks during the day.
10. Put Program Guidelines in Writing
Once you've developed a comprehensive employee wellness program, you should put all of your program guidelines into writing. Doing so will make the program much more structured and easier to adhere to. These guidelines should be included in your employee handbook for the best results, which can also help with recruitment efforts. Whether you have a weekly or monthly newsletter that's sent to employees, some of the health and wellness guidelines your company has adopted should be placed into each newsletter as a reminder.
Keeping your employees healthy and motivated is the most effective way to boost productivity and morale. While employees wellness programs can include everything from stress reduction programs to health risk assessments, the 10 tips mentioned above should provide you with a great starting point when trying to improvement employee and corporate health.
5 Reasons To Choose Home Care Services for Your Hip Replacement Surgery
When it comes to home care after your hip replacement surgery, the most obvious benefit is being at home. It helps to be in a familiar place when you are trying to heal. The comfort of a quiet home always beats the noisier atmosphere of care facilities. It also beats the troubles of adjusting to a different bed. However, there are other benefits that make home care services in Monterey CA a valuable choice for you. Home care nurses help in several important ways.
Reduced Exposure To Other Illnesses
Since the COVID-19 pandemic started, there has been increased concern about contracting contagious virus variants. There are also other viruses, such as the flu, that circulate every year. Any virus can negatively impact the immune system, and that can make surgery recovery harder. Being at home instead of in a care facility can limit exposure to many risks. In care facilities, there is also a greater risk of contracting MRSA or other infections. Home care teams follow strict disinfection and infection control procedures to reduce the risks of spreading viruses and bacteria.
Help With Transportation
Having help with transportation is important during hip replacement surgery recovery. For many people, it is difficult to rely on family members for help. Family members may not be properly trained to transfer you safely into a vehicle. Also, family may not know how to properly and safely help you in a public restroom. If you need transportation to a physical therapy appointment, a home care provider can help you get there safely. You do not have to worry about relying on community transit services. However, community transportation options may be helpful to you after you recover if you are unable to drive. When you work with a reliable home care agency, you can rest easier knowing that you can keep your appointments. Also, they help by keeping track of your upcoming doctor visits, physical therapy sessions or other important appointments.
Medication Reminders
Depending on your needs, your care team may administer your medications or set them up for you. If they set them up for you, they do so in a way that makes them easy to track. During hip replacement surgery recovery, most people take multiple medications. It can be easy to forget them if they have side effects that make you feel drowsy. You may also forget if you are tired from an altered sleep schedule or insufficient sleep. If you take a medication and forget that you took it, you also face the risk of an overdose. In-home nurses know how to help reduce such risks. They ensure that you get the medications you need when you are supposed to take them.
Assistance With Daily Activities
Many tasks you used to easily do before hip replacement surgery may be too difficult to handle alone during recovery. There are lifting restrictions, and bending is harder. Also, you have to learn to avoid bending forward while you sit down. With more limitations, it is helpful to have someone who can assist you. Additionally, you have someone knowledgeable to help you with exercises that your doctor asks you to complete at home. Your care team will help you safely move and walk. They will also ensure that you complete activities on schedule. In-home nurses help you move as much as possible to prevent blood clots and help the healing process. Although physical activities may seem painful at first, proper movement will aid in the healing process. Your care team will also communicate your progress with health care professionals. Together, they may adjust your recovery care plan with you as necessary to accommodate changes.
Dedicated Care
There are many benefits of having nursing staff who are dedicated solely to your care. Although they work with other people who live at home, they focus on you when they are in your home. In a facility, the staff have multiple people to oversee in one area. It is easier to make mistakes or miss something important in care facilities. With one-on-one care, you have the advantage of someone noticing changes in your health. Perhaps you need extensive help for several hours or minimal help for a short time. In either situation, you have someone there who is only there to help you. This makes it easier to review your care plan, talk about medical concerns, ask questions and discuss any ideas.
Home Care Services in Monterey CA for Hip Replacement Surgery Recovery
Your hip replacement surgery recovery atmosphere and care plan are two critical elements of healing. When you combine the benefits of home care, you have more peace of mind and less stress. This means that you can sleep better with the confidence of knowing that you have caring people on your side. Some people have coexisting issues, such as diabetes or cardiac health problems. If this applies to you, it helps to work with an agency that provides those as well. Working with a knowledgeable team will give you the added peace of mind that they understand all your unique needs. Perhaps you are planning an upcoming hip replacement surgery, and you want to consider your options now. Alternately, maybe you recently had hip replacement surgery and need in-home orthopedic care, and you are looking for immediate help. Either way, now is a good time to learn more about home care services in Monterey CA. There are also options available if you live in the Hollister or Central Coast areas.
10 Things to Know When Considering Hospice Care for a Loved One
When your family member or loved one has a terminal illness, hospice care allows them to live their remaining days in comfort at home. The ability to stay in a familiar environment provides peace and a sense of calm to a person with a terminal illness, and it allows them to enjoy a better quality of life during their last days. When considering hospice care service in Monterey CA and the surrounding areas of Hollister and Central Coast counties, the following tips will help you plan and know what to expect.
What Hospice Care Includes
CCVNA offers these hospice services to residents of Central Coast, Monterey County and Hollister counties who have a life-limiting illness. Hospice care includes personal care for the patient. For example, a nurse's aide may assist the patient with getting dressed, sitting up or bathing. Visiting and vocational nurses assist with wound care, administration of pain medication and administration of IV hydration. Hospice social workers help patients and their families with community resources, such as spiritual and bereavement counseling. Hospice care also includes dietary, pharmacy, beauty, pet therapy and speech therapy services.
Customized Care
Each person's situation is different. Some terminal illnesses cause patients to be in a lot of pain. Pain management is an integral part of hospice care. Some patients need special nutritional or hydration plans. For example, after a stroke, a person may have dysphagia. Hospice care includes nutritional counseling to ensure that a patient's dietary needs are met through oral or intravenous nutrition and hydration. As a person's condition changes or worsens, their care plan is updated to reflect their current needs. All of the hospice providers are specially skilled in caring for patients at the end of life.
Coordination of Care
Hospice care includes coordination of services. Each patient is paired with a care coordinator. They may be an administrator or a social worker. This person coordinates the schedules of providers who come to the patient's home. The care coordinator handles all of the scheduling and billing, so patients and their families don't have to worry about pre-authorization or other tasks.
Duration of Services
If a doctor states that your loved one has less than six months to live, it's time to arrange hospice care service in Monterey CA. According to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, most insurers, including Medicare, pay for up to six months of hospice care. Your loved one's doctor will need to complete documentation verifying the terminal nature of the illness so that hospice care can begin at the right time.
Medical Equipment Is Covered
Many patients in hospice need medical equipment for palliative care. Bandages, dressings and catheters are included in hospice care. Patients who need durable medical equipment, such as a walker or wheelchair, can get what they need. A patient's need for medical supplies and equipment is handled by the care coordinator, and they do the ordering and set up delivery of the products to the patient's home. This relieves families of the need to order and retrieve equipment.
Quality of Life Assessments
An important part of hospice care is ensuring that the patient and their family are receiving what they need. Because the goals of hospice are to help a person live as well as possible for the remaining time they have and to address their and their family's needs, patients receive regular quality of life assessments. These assessments address every facet of care, including physical, emotional, mental and spiritual care. If a patient reports that any of these areas are declining, action is taken to remedy the situation.
Respect for the Patient's Wishes
Hospice care focuses on the wishes of the patients. If a patient does not want oxygen, hydration or any other type of care, their wishes are respected. Hospice allows families and caregivers to spend enjoyable time with their loved one instead of dealing with paperwork and red tape. With a patient's physical, emotional and spiritual needs addressed, they and their families can focus on what is important to them.
Patients Preserve Their Dignity
In hospice care, patients are not subjected to painful tests or embarrassing procedures. Hospice patients don't have to deal with frequent blood draws, loud machines or interruptions in the middle of the night for vital signs. They don't have to undergo any invasive procedures. Preservation of dignity is a main consideration for many families when planning hospice care for their loved ones.
Reduce the Financial Burden on Family
Many families worry about the cost of caring for a loved one who has a terminal illness. Hospitals and nursing homes are expensive, and many families can't afford them. Hospice care is covered under Medicare Part A, which is also called original Medicare. Private insurers also cover hospice care. Under hospice supervision, a patient's end-of-life care costs are significantly lower. Care coordinators can help families estimate their share of costs for hospice care service in Monterey CA.
Families and Caregivers Benefit, Too
Caring for a person with a terminal illness is an exhausting undertaking. If this care is left to just one or two people without medical training, they and the patient may suffer. With hospice care, patients and their caregivers and families benefit. Caregivers get a break every day when the nurse, homemaker, therapist or doctor visits. This allows the caregiver to attend to their own personal and healthcare needs. Families juggling the care of their loved one with other needs, such as work and childcare, may feel relief knowing that their loved one is in capable hands. These services may reduce the risk of caregiver burnout and improve the patient's quality of life, explains the Cleveland Clinic. Short-term respite care also gives caregivers a chance to take a break during the day so that their stress levels don't get too high.
To learn more about hospice care for a loved one, contact us at CCVNA today.
Bereavement and Grief Counseling: How Support Groups Can Help After Losing a Loved One
What You May Not Have Known About Bereavement and Grief but Probably Should
While the sadness felt due to losing a family member or close friend is difficult, it needn't consume your life. And such a loss needn't color your otherwise bright sunny days with dark gray and ominous-looking clouds either, say many bereavement and grief counselors across the U.S. For those not familiar with bereavement and grief counseling, it is a form of psychotherapy that aims to help individuals process and better cope with the emotions and full-on psychosomatic symptoms that usually stem from losing a loved one. Some of the most common ones include the following:
- Shock and numbness
- Guilt
- Anger
- Fatigue
- Overwhelming sadness
- Stress
- Anxiety
- Depression
Who Should Consider Bereavement and Grief Counseling?
Deciding whether or not to partake in bereavement and grief counseling, like any other form of psychotherapy, is a personal choice. After all, everyone processes and copes with the loss of a loved one differently. While some can cope with their emotions on their own, some might need a little help. And the individuals who might need such help can amount to many when you factor in the annual death rate in the U.S. According to an article published in the Journal of the American Medical Association (JAMA), an esteemed peer-reviewed medical journal, more than 3 million Americans died in 2020. And we can all reasonably conclude that many of the friends and family members of the deceased found themselves having to process and find ways to work through the grief they were feeling. That said, studies show that most people are willing to seek professional help when the loss of a loved one starts to impact their day-to-day life.
5 Signs That Might Suggest You Need Bereavement and Grief Counseling
When it comes to losing a loved one, the loss can be so profound that it can affect judgment to the extent that grief-stricken individuals don't realize they are drowning in negative, harmful emotions. If this is something that resonates with you, here are five signs that might suggest you need bereavement and grief counseling:
1. Finding it exceedingly difficult to move on - While there is no set amount of time that an individual should mourn the loss of someone close to them, mourning that seemingly has no end might suggest it is time to seek help. According to most counselors, this would constitute extreme grieving that goes on for more than one year.
2. An inability to process the loss of a loved one at all - In contrast to those who find it difficult to move on, some people seemingly never process or come to terms with the fact that they have lost a close friend or family member. And this can be just as concerning and often points to the need for professional help.
3. Grief starts to interfere with your work-life - After losing a friend or family member, it can be a challenge to get back into the proverbial swing of things at work. And this is not uncommon; however, if someone's grief is so severe that it takes a toll on their work performance to the extent they receive disciplinary warnings or get demoted, it would be a good idea to look into counseling.
4. Feeling chronically depressed - Most will agree that there is a considerable difference between a temporary low mood and full-on depression. That said, the latter often requires help from a bereavement and grief counselor to overcome, especially if those feelings of depression start to give way to self-harm or suicidal ideations.
5. Loss of something other than a friend or family member - While the thrust of this article has focused on the loss of human life, some people need help overcoming other sources of pain and sorrow. Studies show that, aside from the loss of a friend or family member, individuals will seek help from support groups or a counselor if any of the following results in them becoming grief-stricken:
- The loss of a beloved pet
- Divorce or separation
- Family trauma
- Job loss
- Losing one's home due to financial reasons or a natural disaster
- Aging, illness, or disease
What Happens During a Counseling Session With a Bereavement and Grief Counselor?
If you have never been part of any support groups or have partaken in any form of counseling with a licensed therapist, doing either after losing someone near and dear to you can seem daunting. Some might even argue that professional counseling might seem like the more daunting of the two when compared to attending support groups where everyone is struggling with a similar loss and can lean on one another for support. That said, bereavement and grief counseling is a branch of psychotherapy discipline traditionally carried out by licensed psychologists or psychiatrists. However, in some support groups, individuals can take advantage of a less structured form of psychotherapy by talking through their feelings with other members. The benefit of counseling sessions with a psychologist or psychiatrist is that these professionals are well-versed in helping individuals overcome the five most common stages of grieving as per the Kübler-Ross grief model. These five stages are as follows:
- Denial
- Anger
- Bargaining
- Depression
- Acceptance
It is worth noting that, in extreme cases, individuals who are working with a psychiatrist might be prescribed antidepressants or other medications to help elevate their mood. Indeed, everyone handles grief differently, and seeking help from a licensed mental health professional ensures you get access to a treatment modality that is right for you.
Bottom Line
All in all, whether you're grieving the loss of a friend, family member, or the ending of a relationship that has run its course, bereavement and grief counseling can help you feel whole again. And many cases, counseling sessions for this form of psychotherapy are covered by insurance. With that in mind, if you or someone you know are experiencing any of the tell-tale signs of extreme grief, consider speaking with a mental health professional today.
On the Fence About Getting a Vaccine? Learn How Immunizations Can Help Prevent These 10 Serious Illnesses
Lifelong Vaccinations
Once you receive these immunizations and the required boosters, you're protected for the remainder of your life.
Polio
Polio can affect the brain and the central nervous system, often causing breathing difficulties, paralysis or even death. Thanks to widespread vaccinations, polio is no longer a problem in the United States. However, it's a small world due to travel. Vaccines can keep you from getting polio from travelers of other countries where the disease is still active.
HPV
Human papilloma virus has been linked to certain types of cancer in both men and women. Although your body may be able to fight this virus on its own, long-term cases cause cellular changes. These alterations can lead to the development of cancer over time. It can be spread through any type of sexual contact. There are several cancers that have been attributed to this virus. They are those of the cervix, vagina, vulva, rectum, penis, mouth and throat. The HPV vaccine has been shown to help prevent up to 90 percent of these types of cancers.
Pneumonia
Bacterial pneumonia often occurs as a complication of other viral infections, especially those that affect the respiratory tract. This illness can land you in the hospital. Additionally, if the bacteria reach the blood stream, this can lead to a deadly infection called sepsis. There are currently two pneumonia vaccinations available that fight against 13 or 23 strains of the bacteria. For some patients, getting both of these immunizations provides the best protection.
Repeated Immunizations
These vaccines require regular boosters, sometimes annually, in order to remain effective in the prevention of disease.
Pertussis
Also known as whooping cough, pertussis affects the lungs and can lead to death, especially in children. The newer vaccines provide less risk of side effects, but the provided immunity can wane over time. Over the last few years, pertussis cases have increased. Although there are multiple reasons for this, lack of vaccination appears to be one of the underlying factors. You can get continued protection from this disease that's trying to make a comeback with a tetanus booster.
Tetanus
Unlike most of the other diseases reduced by vaccination, tetanus is not spread from human to human. However, you can contract this possibly deadly virus through your everyday environment if it enters through broken skin. The intense muscle contractions caused by the virus can be so severe as to break bones. Regular boosters are needed to maintain protection from this excruciating disease.
Influenza
Thousands of people die each year due to the flu and related complications. Different viruses are more active from year to year. It's important that you're immunized annually to prevent the predicted strains that will be most prevalent each season. Some people are reluctant to visit a flu clinic since a few people claim they became ill after being vaccinated. This is not the case; symptoms that resemble the flu are just signs that your body is developing immunity against the virus.
COVID-19
Advanced medical research has given humanity its first chance at fighting off a plague through the preventative use of vaccines. Doctor's offices, clinics and pharmacies offer the COVID vaccine in Salinas and other local areas. You should have no problem finding a provider close by. While it's understandable to be hesitant due to all of the misinformation being spread on social media, it's important to listen to the advice and experience of your health care provider as a reliable resource.
Travel Vaccinations
There are several vaccines for traveling to Mexico or other countries, and these are just a few that are recommended.
Rabies
Did you know that rabies is 100 percent fatal? Although not as prevalent in the United States, this virus is still seen regularly in many countries. In Mexico, feral dogs roam freely and can be very aggressive, so get protection before you go. Once you've been infected, it's too late to get vaccinated.
Hepatitis A
Close contact with an infected person or consuming food or water in unsanitary areas can lead to contracting Hepatitis A. This is a very contagious disease that can cause inflammation of the liver. The more time you spend in a risky region, the greater the likelihood you'll come in contact with this virus. Vaccinations can prevent the virus from damaging your liver. Additionally, you can get vaccinated within two weeks of getting the virus.
Typhoid Fever
Although rare in the United States, typhoid fever is prevalent in underdeveloped countries. While the vaccine provides limited protection, it can prevent serious complications. Once you've contracted the virus, there's a small chance that you could become a lifetime carrier.
Addressing Your Concerns
Talk to your health care provider for any additional concerns you may have. This is what researchers know about vaccines:
- They are safe and effective for most people, and the benefits typically far outweigh the risks.
- Vaccines don't cause the disease they're meant to prevent. Only inactive or partial viruses are used in the manufacture of immunizations.
- Researchers haven't found a connection between childhood immunizations and autism. This lifelong developmental disability is typically detected at the same age as childhood vaccinations are given. However, the ingredient in question, thimerosal, hasn't been used in children's vaccines since 2001.
7 Questions You May Have About the Difference Between Hospice vs Palliative Care
Seniors and people with long-term illnesses may wonder what their medical care will look like as their health declines. There are many options for people with serious illnesses, including hospice and palliative care. Hospice and palliative care are similar, but hospice is usually 100% covered if a patient qualifies for it.
1. Who Is Eligible for Palliative Care?
An individual who is in any stage of a serious illness can seek palliative care. The goal of palliative care is to relieve symptoms in someone who is suffering from a long-term medical condition. It doesn’t matter whether other doctors are exploring a cure for your condition. You can receive palliative care for a chronic, complex, terminal or non-terminal illness.
Some people seek palliative care to keep them comfortable as they recover from major surgery. Others may choose it to help manage side effects from chemotherapy treatments. Palliative care is available for people with a wide range of illnesses, from multiple sclerosis to kidney disease.
2. Who Is Eligible for Hospice Care?
A patient who has a serious illness with a prognosis of fewer than six months to live is eligible for hospice care. A doctor must certify the prognosis based on the typical path of the illness.
The medical condition is usually defined as terminal when treatments are no longer working or the patient chooses to discontinue aggressive treatments. In other words, hospice care is only available toward the expected end of a patient’s life, when the patient is no longer undergoing active curative treatments.
Hospice doesn’t always mean that it’s the end. It can boost a patient’s health and well-being. If the patient’s situation improves and their life expectancy is extended, they will no longer be eligible.
3. What Does a Palliative Doctor Do Differently Than Other Doctors?
The goal of a palliative doctor is to keep a patient comfortable. A patient who is in palliative care may have a team of medical professionals working with them on a treatment plan. But those are not the palliative doctors.
The palliative doctors focus on easing symptoms and side effects of the medical condition or medications. They’re not treating the illness. They’re helping the patient to maintain a high quality of life despite the illness.
Palliative professionals may include doctors and non-medical team members who work together to support the patient’s medical, physical, psychological and personal needs. They coordinate with the treatment team to provide continuity of care and help the patient understand their diagnosis and management plan.
4. When Should You Enter Hospice or Palliative Care?
Many patients wait until the last minute to begin hospice care. Choosing this type of care may feel like a death sentence. However, delaying the decision may hinder a patient’s ability to maximize their quality of life in this final stage.
Deciding to seek hospice care doesn’t mean that there is no hope. This specialized care enhances well-being and comfort. When patients feel better, they are more empowered, satisfied and fulfilled.
The best time to enter hospice is different for every situation. If a patient is eligible, they should enter when their quality of life would be improved by this type of care.
You can opt for palliative care at any stage of an illness. Many patients choose palliative care when they need additional support and coordination to manage their condition. There is no time limit for palliative services.
5. Can You Leave Hospice Care Voluntarily?
Hospice care is intended for people who are expected to live no longer than six months. However, a patient’s situation can change. The prognosis could shift, extending the patient’s life expectancy. In that case, hospice care would be discontinued. It would be available again if the condition deteriorated and the patient regained eligibility.
You can choose to discontinue hospice care at any time and for any reason. Hospice benefits that are covered by a patient’s health care plan may be revoked when these services are terminated, however. In that case, you could opt for palliative care and pay out of pocket or through your insurance plan.
6. Can You Use Palliative and Hospice Care Simultaneously?
You can’t use hospice care at the same time that you’re actively undergoing therapeutic treatment for your medical condition. However, you can receive palliative and hospice care at the same time.
Many of the services that are offered under hospice care are intended to keep the patient comfortable. Therefore, they’re inherently palliative. Moreover, they’re hospice benefits that are covered under Medicaid and most insurance plans.
7. Where Can You Get Hospice and Palliative Care?
Both types of care can be provided at home or in a facility and on an inpatient or outpatient basis. Because it’s important to maximize the patient’s comfort, hospice and palliative services are often offered at home. A patient may also move into a facility or receive services at a nursing home or residential care facility.
In either case, a variety of professionals make up the care team. These include your primary care physician, nurses, home health care workers, social workers and physical therapists. Spiritual and psychological counselors are often involved in palliative care. In hospice, volunteers may offer additional services to improve patients’ well-being, such as massage and pet therapy.
A hospice or palliative care coordinator will manage this medical team to keep the patient well-informed and at ease. Most people have many questions about initiating this type of care. Reach out to a VNA care coordinator to learn more about palliative care in Monterey CA and the surrounding areas.
How and Where to Get the Covid Vaccine in Salinas
Getting vaccinated against COVID-19 will help protect yourself and the people closest to you. With multiple providers offering the vaccine in and around Salinas, you should be able to receive the covid immunization without disrupting your schedule. A nationwide effort among healthcare professionals is providing free, easy access to vaccines. Once you’ve read this basic guide, you’ll have no trouble finding and taking the Covid vaccine in Salinas.
Eligibility for Covid Vaccine in Salinas
Everyone in California age 12 and up is eligible to receive a free covid vaccine. This applies to absolutely everybody regardless of insurance or immigration status. Don’t hesitate to get the vaccine because of any lack of proper documentation. The priority now is to vaccinate as many people as possible. You can join millions of Californians in protecting yourself against the virus and helping to bring this brutal pandemic to an end.
Where to Get Your Covid Vaccine in Salinas
There are many locations offering the covid vaccine in Salinas itself and throughout Monterey County. Doctors’ offices, urgent care clinics, and many pharmacies provide the vaccine for free. There are also several mass vaccination sites set up around the area. Another option is to visit the Central Coast VNA, which offers vaccines to residents of Hollister Counter, Monterey County, and the Central Coast. All these vaccination providers strive to make the process quick and easy.
How to Get Your Covid Vaccine
With vaccines widely available, you have some flexibility in how you arrange your immunization. Whether you'd prefer to make an appointment or simply show up for a shot when the mood strikes, you'll have no trouble getting the vaccine
Make an Appointment
You can schedule an appointment at most vaccine centers. To book a slot with Central Coast VNA, simply give the reception a call. You can also schedule appointments at most pharmacies and clinics. The government’s “My Turn” website is a great tool for discovering your options and booking an appointment.
Walk-In Options
Many vaccination clinics can provide instant jabs to walk-in patients. This means you can receive the covid immunization whenever you have a few minutes available. This walk-in option is great for anyone with a busy or unpredictable schedule.
What to Bring
It’s important to remember that you will be able to receive the covid vaccine even if you do not bring any documentation. All the same, you can make the process easier for everyone by bringing along a photo ID and, if you have one, an insurance card. These documents will allow the provider to quickly record your immunization and charge it to your insurance company.
Make sure you’re wearing a mask as you enter the clinic. You’ll be required to keep your mouth and nose covered as long as you’re in the facility. You should also consider bringing a book, magazine, or electronic device to keep you entertained if you have to wait.
Which Covid Vaccine You’ll Receive
Not all providers have the same vaccine available. Some may have multiple options to choose from, while others will only offer a single brand. You can call a vaccine center to ask about which vaccines they’re providing.
Pfizer, Moderna, and Johnson & Johnson are the principal vaccines administered in California. It’s worth noting that all three have been proven safe and effective in clinical trials. Whichever vaccine you take, you’ll be protecting yourself and your loved ones from the dangers of COVID-19.
What to Expect
Receiving the covid vaccine is usually a quick and easy process, no more arduous than getting a standard travel immunization. If you walk into a mass vaccination site, you may have to wait in line. If you’ve got an appointment at a smaller provider, then you’ll likely be able to start the process right away.
First, an employee at the facility will explain the details and potential side effects of the vaccine. Then, you’ll sign a consent form and answer questions about any allergies you may have to medications. Once the providers have reviewed your answers and deemed your vaccination safe, you’ll receive the jab in your upper arm.
After getting the vaccine, most recipients are asked to wait 15 minutes before departing the clinic. This is to ensure no unexpected side effects develop. People with a history of allergic reactions to vaccinations may be asked to wait 30 minutes. Once the required amount of time has elapsed, you’ll be free to go on your way.
You’ll receive a vaccination card detailing the type, date, and location of your vaccination. If you got the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine, this card will serve as your official record of vaccination. If you received the two-dose Moderna or Pfizer vaccines, save the card and present it to the provider when you come back for your second shot.
Receiving Your Second Dose
For the two-dose Moderna and Pfizer vaccines, you’ll need a second dose to receive the full level of protection that the immunizations can provide. You should be able to schedule your second dose in person while receiving the first jab. Otherwise, you can call to make an appointment by phone.
Learn More About the Covid Vaccine
The past 18 months have been difficult, and you’re far from alone if you’re feeling overwhelmed. All of a sudden, things like coronaviruses and vaccines have become central parts of life in America. To understand the situation and make the right decisions for you and your family, it’s always best to keep yourself informed. You can learn more about the covid vaccine from the WHO and the CDC. Armed with all the latest information, you’ll be ready to protect yourself and your loved ones from this harrowing disease.
5 Reasons to Sign-Up for a CPR Class Right Now
CPR, or cardiac pulmonary resuscitation, is a life-saving procedure performed during emergency situations, including when a person’s heart stops beating. The American Heart Association explains that performing CPR doubles or triples the likelihood of survival after a person has an incident of cardiac arrest. If you are a resident of the Central Coast, there are a number of reasons to consider CPR classes Monterey CA. After learning the benefits of attending a CPR class, you are sure to enroll right away.
1. CPR Classes Boost Confidence
According to the American Heart Association, approximately 80 percent of cardiac arrest events occur at home. If you are going through a normal day, you want to be prepared if one of your loved ones suddenly needs to be resuscitated. After attending CPR classes Monterey CA, you will be confident in your abilities to perform the correct procedures to save someone’s life. Instead of becoming emotional and scared when the person around you has a heart attack, you will be able to remain calm and to assist.
2. You Can Help Anywhere
Although most heart attacks occur at home, you may be at a restaurant, store, or any location when someone suffers a cardiac arrest. Having knowledge about CPR means that you can assist wherever you go. This is helpful to a person who is having a medical emergency, especially when there is no doctor in the area. When an emergency arises, you can spring to action and offer comfort to people who need it the most. As you perform CPR, you may possibly keep a person alive until further medical support has time to arrive.
3. Receive Hands-On Training at CPR Classes
Attending CPR classes Monterey CA offers the ability to receive hands-on training from first responders who have real-life experience in the field. Although many people learn skills online, there is nothing better than learning face-to-face with nurses, paramedics, and other medical professionals. It is crucial to learn how to handle a multitude of potential situations that involve an unconscious individual or someone who is intensely sick. Being able to practice life-saving techniques on dummies or other devices gives you a realistic feel of an emergency and how to proceed with successful results.
4. Increase Your Value at Work or as a Volunteer
It is scary to think about a co-worker suddenly taking a heart attack. However, it can happen. Being CPR certified makes you extremely valuable. Literally, you have the power to save a life. Your skills will provide great support in the workplace.
CPR class are smart for people of all ages and may open new job opportunities. For example, it will help a younger person gain employment as a lifeguard. Someone looking to provide childcare in a daycare or a private setting will benefit from training as well. These are just a few of the jobs that require CPR certification.
Also, having knowledge about how to perform CPR may provide you with the opportunity to become a volunteer in your community. It is especially helpful to know CPR when you wish to work with the elderly. Even if you won’t be providing direct medical care, it is always helpful to be prepared in times of emergency.
If you have aging parents and take on homecare duties, CPR training is a valuable tool as well. It prepares you to step into the role of caretaker and allows your parents to enjoy the freedom of remaining out of a nursing home setting. Nobody wants to think about situations when CPR is necessary. However, being ready is an important part of your family's safety plan.
5. Learn How to Use an Automated External Defibrillator
An automated external defibrillator is a portable device that is used in emergency situations to shock the heart so that regular rhythm is restored. These units should be run by individuals who understand their usage and placement on another person. Thanks to proper operation, a person who is experiencing a sudden cardiac arrest may be saved. In fact, a person's heart must be regulated quickly. The chance of survival decreases up to 10 percent for each minute that passes without a normal rhythm. During a typical CPR course, you will learn to use this device effectively.
People of all experience levels can enroll in CPR classes Monterey CA. They provide a solid insight into this life-saving technique and its applications during times of emergency. The above reasons are just a few motivating points that should make you enroll in a class immediately. If you live in Hollister, Monterey County, or Central Coast, it is possible to play an active role in the services provided by CCVNA. For more information, contact us today.
What is Advance Care Planning and Why You Need an Advance Directive
What is Advance Care Planning?
- Individuals with a high risk of a loss of mental capacity. A good example is someone suffering from a progressive illness.
- Individuals with a mental capacity capable of changing due to specific circumstances such as mental illness.
The Basics of Advance Care Planning
- Sensitivity is essential because there are individuals uncomfortable with discussing an advance care plan or that already have an advance directive in place.
- It is important to remember every individual is unique. Needs for control, autonomy and knowledge will be slightly different across individuals.
- Understanding that the choices made by people other than yourself can appear unwise. This does not always indicate the individual is making a wrong choice or is unable to make a decision.
- The management or care staff should verify in the beginning stages to determine if the individual already has an advance care plan in place.
- The reason advance care planning is important should be explained whenever necessary. All of the associated challenges and benefits should also be thoroughly discussed.
- The different ways support and care can be planned in advance should be understood. Some of these ways are possible due to the Mental Capacity Act.
What Information Does the Care Staff Require When Creating an Advanced Directive?
Finding out the following information is essential for the care staff.
- If the individual has a lasting power of attorney, they are able to provide one or more individuals with legal authority. This enables decisions to be made regarding welfare, health, finances and property.
- Although advance statements are not considered legally binding, considering them carefully for future decisions is important. Any information the individual believes is important for their care and health and be included.
What is the Best Way to Relay Information on Advance Care Planning?
The best option is to provide the individual with written information explaining advance care planning in a simple way. The idea is to ensure the person understands so the relevance can be explained. The ability to make decisions as time passes can be affected. The individual should receive all of the following information:
- The individual should understand their condition, receive support to feel comfortable asking for more information from the healthcare staff and the process necessary for an advance directive should be explained.
- The individual should understand how decisions are made in the event they lose capacity.
- Explaining how decisions already made can be changed while the individual still has the capacity is important.
- All services able to assist with advance care planning should be explained and discussed.
How To Help Someone Decide if Advance Care Planning is the Right Decision
The individual should receive help in order to make a knowledgeable choice regarding an advanced care plan. The decision should be left entirely to the individual. Different areas can be covered by an advance care plan including the way the person feels about different kinds of treatment or support, types of care and financial decisions. A good example regarding the way people prefer to do things is the choice between a bath and a shower. The process should also include:
- The individual and their family or caregiver if desired should discuss anything potentially stopping them from remaining fully involved. A plan can also be created to ensure their involvement is as easy as possible.
- Advance care planning should be discussed at the best possible time for the individual.
- All information regarding the treatment options and medical condition of the individual should be current. This will simplify the process and relevant healthcare staff can be involved when necessary.
How is an Advance Care Plan Developed?
When home care services Monterey CA is involved with the creation of an advance care plan, the individual is asked if they want their friends, family or advocate involved. If so, they are included. The areas where a healthcare professional is important are discussed including and the following taken into account.
- Medical History
- Feelings and wishes
- Social circumstances
- Beliefs such as religion, ethnicity, culture and aspirations
The individual will receive help when considering the way needs can change as time passes.
The Importance of Communication
Many individuals need help communicating during important discussions. The different types of support required can include:
- Advocacy
- Specialist support for language and speech therapy
- Communication aids
- Involvement of friends or family members
- Interpreters
How is an Advance Care Plan Recorded and Supported?
During the discussion, everything should be recorded. All decisions should be discussed to make certain the individual is in agreement with the notes. A written record should be provided for the advance care plan. This can be used to show a variety of services. If the individual is approaching the end of their life, they should be asked if they are interested in developing an advanced care plan, reviewing an existing plan or entering hospice care.
When there are any revisions to support or treatment plans, the advance care plan should be reviewed provided the individual still has the mental capacity. The involvement of a healthcare professional should be considered. All requested changes should be made including all necessary copies.